Cameron Crowe to release memoir this fall

Dreamers, music fans and nerds unite: Our leader is publishing his first book this fall. Cameron Crowe, the sweet-hearted soul at the centre of movies that are powered as much by music as by emotion and powerful storytelling, announced on social media Wednesday the release of his book, “The Uncool,” this October.

Crowe, who has gently carried our hearts and musical adventures in films from “Say Anything” to “Almost Famous” to “Jerry McGuire” to the wonderful Pearl Jam documentary “PJ20” — and, of course, the brilliant “Singles” — promises to share his secrets. No word yet whether that includes whether Cameron Crowe is a pseudonym along the lines of Penny Lane. (If you understand this reference, you’ll probably want to preorder the book.) 

“‘The Uncool’ offers a front-row ticket to the 1970s, a golden era for music and art when rock was young,” according to the book announcement. “There’s no such thing as a media junket – just a rare chance a young writer might be invited along for an adventure.” 

The announcement recounts Crowe’s now infamous youth, spent writing for Rolling Stone as an actual teenager, tagging along with Led Zeppelin — and getting class credit for it — leading him to tour with David Bowie, the Eagles; his interviews with Kris Kristofferson, Joni Mitchell and Gregg Allman, the last two who swore they’d never speak to Rolling Stone again until Crowe came along. 

“If you’ve seen ‘Almost Famous,’ you may think you know this story – but you don’t,” the announcement promises. “For the first time, Crowe opens up about his early transformative years in Palm Springs and pays tribute to his father, a decorated Army officer who taught him the irreplaceable value of the human voice. Crowe also offers a full portrait of his mother, whose singular spirit helped shape him into an unconventional visionary.” 

The book is set for release on October 28; presale orders are available now for hardcover copies, including signed copies. If there’s a music lover on your holiday shopping list, this is an easy decision to make their season bright.